Lewiston Wastewater Treatment Plant Improvements

rbenedict//October 25, 2024//

Infrastructure/Utility - Second Place - Lewiston Wastewater Treatment Plant Improvements

rbenedict//October 25, 2024//

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Lewiston’s Wastewater Treatment Plant Improvement project focused on the influent pump station, return-activated sludge/waste-activated sludge pump station, headworks, primary and secondary clarifiers, aeration basins, blowers, ultraviolet disinfection, solids thickening, digesters and dewatering systems.

The facility was designed to fulfill the requirements of the community and will meet the needs as the city continues to grow over the next 20 years. Several deficiencies were identified in the planning process, including aging plant facilities, of which 70% were more than 30 years old and had insufficient capacity to meet current and future growth.

Among the challenges faced during the course of the project were the failing solids dewatering equipment and a phasing plan that would allow for improvements while the plant remained in operation. The COVID-19 pandemic also creating a challenge, which was solved by putting protocols in place to keep the project moving forward while keeping everyone as safe as possible.

The pandemic also extended the schedule of the project by seven months due to delays in materials and contractor availability. Despite the delay, the project was still within its budget.